• Multimedia
• Blog
• Subscribe
• What's New
• Contact Us
• Archive

• Topic
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L

  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • XYZ

  
  Select the list of topics to display.
• Country
  • A-B
  • C-E
  • F-K
  • L-O
  • P-S
  • T-Z
  • Regions

  Please choose a country or other area, or a Region.
• Publication Type
• Speaker
  • A-C
  • D-K
  • L-R
  • S-Z
• Date
  • • Most Recent
    • Past 7 days
    • Past 90 days

TUNISIA

Trafficking in Persons Report   -Report Home Page
Released by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
June 3, 2005
 

Tunisia is a special case because of lack of information differentiating illegal immigrants from possible trafficking victims.

Tunisia may be a country of transit for some trafficked sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians attempting to reach continental Europe. According to press reports, thousands of illegal migrants enter Tunisia annually in transit to Europe. However, since the government does not systematically differentiate trafficking victims from illegal immigrants, it is difficult to determine how many of these cases are trafficking-related. In 2004, the IOM office in Tunis proposed to the Government of Tunisia a survey to determine the extent of illegal migration and trafficking. If implemented, the survey could provide a basis for the Government of Tunisia's counter-trafficking policy.

Government Action. In 2004, the Government of Tunisia took positive actions to combat trafficking. It enacted an anti-trafficking law that imposes tougher sanctions on traffickers and accords certain protections to victims. According to media reports, the government has begun enforcing this law. Additionally, Tunisia amended a 1975 law on passports and travel documents and tightened issuance procedures. Press reports also highlighted that, in 2004, Tunisia interdicted illegal migration attempts and arrested and convicted those responsible, including possible traffickers. Also, Tunisia held security talks with Spain, including a discussion of illegal migration and trafficking.

The Governments of Tunisia and Nigeria reportedly plan to sign a special agreement for the repatriation of Nigerian citizens caught illegally transiting Tunisia. The government has good relations with NGOs and international organizations that assist non-Tunisians. The Government of Tunisia should develop and implement a system to differentiate between illegal immigrants and possible trafficking victims. Such an approach should help to compile data and, if necessary, devise an appropriate anti-trafficking response, including a means for according protection to victims of trafficking.